Marie Chawke shares her beauty essentials, best investments, favourite treatments and her favourite beauty treats ….
Key beauty staples/old favourites I’m never without …
“L’Occitane Verbena shower gel, Simple facial wipes, Jan Marini Bioglycolic Face Cleanser, Dr Barbara Sturm Face Glow, Clarins Lip Comfort Oil and Hand & Nail Cream (it helps to strengthen my nails), Heliocare 360 sunscreen SPF50 and Lumify eye drops. And a manicure! I’ve been going to the same lady for over 15 years; Agnieszka Hajdas and her sister Kamila have a long-established nail bar in Killarney. Every Christmas, Agnieszka twists my arm to go wild and move away from my neutral colours and splash out with a shade of red!” (@aganails on Instagram; 22 Plunkett Street, Killarney; 087 683 5655 for appointments)
Best beauty investments or what I spend a bit more on that’s worth it …
“When I was having issues with my skin, I went to Rosemary Coleman (in Blackrock Clinic; www.drcolemanskinstore.ie) and have been using Jan Marini C Esta Face Serum ever since. I’ve also recently started using Dr Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum. Also, if I was treating myself to something special, it would be IPL.”
Most recent purchase…
“Valentino “Very Valentino” foundation, Blush and Magnificent Mascara 24 hour wear; it really does last. I also love the Oskia Rose de Mai candles; they are used in body treatments here in the Castle Spa at Dromoland – the candle is burned and then the wax is used as a fragrant massage oil. It’s a very special treatment.” www.dromoland.ie
Favourite places to shop for beauty…
“Brown Thomas, Heathrow airport, Peggy Stringer at Monkstown Laser Skin Clinic.”
Favourite Irish beauty item…
“Seabody Pentabrite Eye Serum, which I fell in love with from the first Seabody treatment I tried; I find it really refreshing around the eyes, and softening on lines.” (€86, at www.seabody.com)
I’m coveting…
“Dr Barbara Sturm anti-aging body moisturiser is my latest discovery – it really locks moisture into your skin – and Valentino V Lighter, a primer to give skin a lovely glow.”
The loveliest perfume bottle on my dressing table…
“Les Exclusifs de Chanel Beige eau de parfum. Previously I always wore Coco Mademoiselle, but I was given this as a gift two Christmases ago and I’ve been devoted to it ever since. ”
One foundation I swear by…
“It was always Armani Luminous Silk, as recommended by make-up artist Ken Boylan many years ago, but just last week I was introduced to Very Valentino, also a L’Oreal brand, which has become a hot favourite. It has good coverage and a lovely glow; I find it similar to the Armani but with a bit more coverage, though I prefer the Armani packaging.”
For hair…
“I’ve always gone to Dylan Bradshaw for hair, he’s amazing, and has been very sensitive to changes in my hair, adapting to different lengths. And he gives the most amazing cut, so I’d go two or three times a year, and also get my colour done there with Jenny. He suggests different products to try; recently I’ve been using a Kerastase shampoo and conditioner, which I really like, and also a thickening lotion/blowdry protector.”
My beauty routine…
“I never go to bed without cleansing my face; it’s something I’ve always done. Every single night, I clean my make-up off with a Simple facial wipe, and then start the following steps: Jan Marini cleanser, Dr Barbara Sturm enzyme cleaners (twice a week), Jan Marini C Esta Face Serum and Bioclear Face Lotion, Seabody Glycan Enrich Moisturiser and Eye Serum, and Clarins lip oil. I am slightly addicted to the Lumify eyedrops – they’re really the best find! I tend to have dry and tired eyes and a drop every morning or before going out in the evening really brings my eyes back to life.”
The Castle Spa at Dromoland, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare; www.dromoland.ie